by Patrick McGuire
Sunday’s loss to the Bears was definitely a tough one to swallow. The Steelers are very rarely on the losing end of a game due to missed field goals. In week 1, Jeff Reed was on the opposite side celebrating; this week he walked off a sad and embarrassed man. It is important to note that the loss should not entirely be put on his shoulders. The Steelers must start establishing a running game and score points. It is the system that has worked for them since the start of the organization. Not all games can be won in overtime or with less than a minute to go.
Some may question a few play calls made by the Steelers down the stretch. It was 3rd and 1 and they call a pass play? It is important to remember who they are what they stand for: “smash mouth football”. If they ran the ball and had not gotten the first down, at least it would have caused the Bears to call a timeout or watch the clock keep ticking away. I am not real sure why they kept playing soft with the DB’s at the end of the game. Sometimes a loss is not a bad thing, especially early in the season. The Steelers will learn from mistakes and hopefully learn that they can’t always depend on the defense. Points, points, points.
Much credit is due to the Bears for a well-fought game. This game was played very hard on both sides of the ball. Robbie Gould is a great kicker as well, but this one was there for the win by the Steelers. Taking advantage of important opportunities is often what the difference is between a win and a loss. Thankfully for the Steelers, this was not a divisional game. I truly expect that this may have lit a fire under the Steelers and get them going again. I was personally hoping to see Cutler cry after another defeat, but in stead I was forced to watch him celebrate. Everyone wants to beat the Champions and everyone plays just a little harder when they are playing against the best. Each game is hyped up and the Steelers need to step up.
Week 3, the Steelers are on the road again as they travel to Cincinnati. The Bengals are not the team of the past and are definitely not to be taken lightly. They had an impressive win over the Packers in week 2. In the two opening weeks the Steelers offense has faced two very tough defenses, which I may allow for somewhat of an excuse for the running game, but week 3 is where I expect to see that area improve the most.
Steelers 1-1
